4 Nov 2015

After three draws in a row, Liverpool desperately need a win in the Europa League this week, and it looks like Jurgen Klopp is continuing to take the competition seriously, which bodes well for the club's chances on Thursday.

Pre-Match news:

* According to the Liverpool Echo: "Jurgen Klopp is set to take a strong Liverpool squad to Russia. [He] is not expected to leave key players behind ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace".

* The Echo also claims that 'amazing' Reds striker Daniel Sturridge 'won’t be risked for the game'.

* Joao Carlos Teixeira is ineligible as a result of Brendan Rodgers' ridiculous decision to omit him from the Europa League squad.

For me, the key question is this: Will Klopp persist with Firmino up-front, and put Benteke on the bench again?

* In his post-Chelsea press conference, Klopp appeared to suggest that Benteke is currently ahead of Firmino in the pecking order: "He [Benteke] needs time to play [and] now he is a big step ahead so we can plan with him".

* Given his injury worries, using Benteke as an impact sub remains the best solution, especially with an important Premier League game on the horizon. Ordinarily, I'm against leaving players on the bench after scoring, but there are fitness issues to consider here.

* Firmino (or even Origi) up-front, Liverpool have enough quality to get the job done in Russia, but if it's not happening, Benteke is a great option to have on the bench.

* In my view, it's irresponsible to play Benteke three times in one week, so hopefully he'll be rested for tomorrow's game, and only utilised if it's absolutely necessary.